minimize
UK/'minimaiz/US
TOEFLGRE六级考研B1
释义
v.
To reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree.
使减到最少，尽量缩小。
v.
To play down the importance of something; to downplay.
淡化，贬低（重要性）。
v.
To shrink a window to an icon on a computer.
（计算机）最小化（窗口）。
词根拆分
词根派生minim（最小）+ -ize（使）=「使尽可能地小」。从字面的「减到最低」延伸出两层：minimize a risk（用言语淡化它）和 minimize a window（在屏幕上缩小）。是 maximize 的直接反义。
词根 minu 还连着 49 个词常用搭配
- 1.minimize risk把风险降到最低
- 2.minimize costs把成本降到最低
- 3.minimize the impact把影响降到最低
- 4.minimize distractions减少干扰
例句
- 1.
We took steps to minimize the risk of infection.
我们采取措施把感染风险降到最低。
- 2.
Don't minimize how hard this was for her.
别淡化这件事对她有多难。
- 3.
Click the corner button to minimize the window.
点击角上的按钮可以最小化窗口。